A resolution
stating the Metropolitan Council's affirmation and support of the use of the
words "Christmas or Merry Christmas" when referring to Metro Government
events or activities traditionally associated with Christmas.

WHEREAS, the word
Christmas is derived from the act of celebrating the Mass of Christ, which appears
in Old English text dating back to 1038; and

WHEREAS, Jesus
Christ is an actual man who was born over 2,000 years ago, as recorded by history;

WHEREAS, Jesus'
life and teachings were and are so extraordinary that they have profoundly impacted
the entire world, especially the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the US
Code regulations concerning the celebration of Christmas as a legal holiday
are mirrored throughout all the United States, with Alabama having the distinction
of being the first state to declare Christmas as a legal holiday, doing so in
1836. By 1907, Oklahoma rounded out the list of then-states by enacting a declaration
of its own; and

WHEREAS, ninety
percent of Americans consider themselves Christians, according to a recently
completed national survey; and

WHEREAS, the modern
world's calendar is categorized into two major sections: B.C. - before Christ's
birth, and A.D. - after Christ's birth; and

WHEREAS, the vast
majority of Americans are not offended by use of the words Christmas and Merry
Christmas, but rather give and receive love, hope, comfort and joy to and from
one another by using those words; and

WHEREAS, it is
fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County
states that it affirms and supports the use of the words Christmas or Merry
Christmas, instead of non-descript, generic terms such as Happy Holidays, Winter
Festival, and the like, when referring to Metro Government events or activities
traditionally associated with Christmas, such as the Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony, Christmas Parade, and Metro School's Christmas vacation for our school
children.

NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND
DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That
the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as affirming and supporting
the use of the words Christmas or Merry Christmas, instead of non-descript,
generic terms such as Happy Holidays, Winter Festival, and the like, when referring
to Metro Government events or activities traditionally associated with Christmas

Section 2. The
Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill
Purcell.

Section 3. This
Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The
Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.